HC Deb 22 March 1962 vol 656 cc554-5
29. Mr. Hannan

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to confer full university status on the Royal College of Science and Technology in Glasgow.

Mr. Brooke

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mr. Dempsey) on 22nd February.

Mr. Hannan

Again, the Minister has advanced a defence of the Robbins Committee. Since, however, this question does not involve the creation of a new university—indeed, it is outwith the remit of the Robbins Committee—what are the objections and obstacles to the granting of such status to Britain's recognised leading science-based centre of education?

Mr. Brooke

I would point out to the hon. Member that there was never any suggestion that on this matter we need wait for the report of the Robbins Committee.

Mr. Rankin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last September the Secretary of State for Scotland appointed a special committee to advise him on this question and that that committee reported to the Secretary of State for Scotland that university status ought now to be granted to the Royal College of Science and Technology? Is the right hon. Gentleman preventing the Secretary of State for Scotland from accepting the view of the committee that he himself appointed?

Mr. Brooke

Not at all. What I am doing is what it is my duty to do, and that is to await the advice of the University Grants Committee on this matter.